Supreme Sword Exalt

The fatty was the first to notice Gu Han’s unusual state.

“Huh? Leave? Why should we leave? No way—” His expression shifted abruptly. “Could it be, there’s also a huge treasure inside...?”

Gu Han covered his mouth and said sharply, “Shut up! What treasure? Stop talking nonsense! There’s nothing inside, nothing at all! I just don’t want to open it anymore, that’s all! Since you don’t want to leave, then stay!”

He ignored the fatty and started pushing his way out.

The fatty also reacted. “Right, right, right! No treasure, absolutely nothing! Let’s go, hurry up and leave!”

The onlookers clicked their tongues in disbelief. No treasure? Trying to fool a kid! Do you think we’re blind?

Right at that moment, someone coldly and sternly called out from behind, “Halt!”

Of course, it was Tian Heng. Having witnessed Gu Han’s reaction with his very eyes, he refused to believe the mystic stone contained nothing, even if he were beaten to death!

Gu Han stiffened, and his face was full of vigilance. “What do you want! Does the Treasure Pavilion have a rule about blocking people now?”

Tian Heng took a deep breath. “That mystic stone...”

“I don’t want to open it anymore!”

“What’s inside—”

“Nothing!”

Tian Heng became even more convinced that Gu Han had some method to see through the mystic stone. Otherwise, he wouldn’t deny it so firmly. You’re still green, and you can’t hold your composure! Your every word and action has betrayed you!

Chief Steward Li’s face darkened, and he stepped in front of Gu Han. “Pavilion Master Tian, watch yourself, you are about to cross the line!”

Tian Heng’s expression shifted, as if weighing his options. He absolutely could not let Gu Han make away with the mystic stone! Judging from the man’s reaction alone, something even more precious than the pill seemed to be inside! He had to reclaim the remaining mystic stone at all cost!

Not long after, he seemed to have come to a decision. “The Treasure Pavilion will not sell that mystic stone. I will return your essence crystals in full.”

Before Gu Han could speak, the fatty was the first to object. “What?! What do you mean not selling?! How can you do business like this? Can you take back something you’ve already sold? Isn’t this some shady business?”

His words immediately made everyone’s opinion of the Treasure Pavilion drop significantly. Tian Heng was going too far. It seemed that big stores bullying customers was absolutely true.

Gu Han pointed at Steward Ma with a mocking expression. “Why don’t you ask him? Didn’t he say just now that once something is bought, it can’t be returned? What, changing your mind now?”

Steward Ma felt like slapping himself twice.

“I—” Upon seeing Tian Heng’s murderous gaze, he hurriedly tried to remedy the situation. “Pavilion Master, please think twice! If we do this, the Treasure Pavilion’s reputation will be dragged through the mud!’

Tian Heng was expressionless. “Then tell me, what should we do?”

As if he could afford to lose two treasures in a row in a single day! Even if it cost the Treasure Pavilion’s reputation, he would not let Gu Han take the mystic stone away.

Steward Ma stared at Gu Han, almost pleading. “Esteemed guest, what do you think? Could you return this mystic stone to the Treasure Pavilion? Of course, we definitely won’t let you suffer a loss. Yes, we are just buying it back...”

Gu Han sneered coldly and turned to leave. “I won’t sell!”

Tian Heng said again, “Stop! Name your price!”

Gu Han was also fired up. “Like I said, I won’t sell it!”

Killing intent boiled in Tian Heng’s eyes. “But you must! Name your price!”

Gu Han wore a mocking expression. “Five million essence crystals. Heh, how about that?”

Tian Heng’s reply was resolute. “Deal!”

Everyone drew in a sharp breath. Five... hundred...million...

Given their cultivation level, fifty thousand essence crystals was already a lot. Five hundred thousand was a great windfall, a huge stroke of luck. As for five million essence crystals, they didn’t even dare to think about it.

Gu Han was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting Tian Heng to agree so readily. “Do you actually agree? Well, too bad! I still won’t sell!”

He maintained his pace, about to step out of the Treasure Pavilion’s main gate.

Losing control, Tian Heng unleashed a terrifying aura, startling everyone into stepping back. He grabbed Gu Han with his large hand. “Don’t even think of leaving!”

Someone sharply said, “Don’t forget that I’m still here!”

Chief Steward Li immediately blocked Gu Han, firmly taking Tian Heng’s palm strike.

A loud noise echoed.

Chief Steward Li staggered back uncontrollably. When he managed to steady himself, a trace of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. There was a significant gap between his Divine Connection realm and Tian Heng’s Soaring Realm.

With a grim expression, Chief Steward Li wiped the blood from his mouth. “Tian Heng, I never thought you were such a shameless piece of shit!”

Jiang Feng also had a sour expression on his face. “Pavilion Master Tian, I will report this matter to the imperial family!”

However, Tian Heng no longer cared. “Do as you please!”

As long as he obtained this mystic stone and uncovered the treasure, all responsibility would be borne by Du Teng.

“I must have this mystic stone!”

The fatty cursed loudly, and glanced at Gu Han. “Ah, fucking hell! In all my years, this is the first time I’ve seen such shamelessness! You tell me, what do we do? I’ll listen to you completely. Even if I have to risk my life, we must protect this mystic stone. But... cough... after this is over... you have to give me half of the treasure.”

Gu Han’s face was expressionless. “Fatty, there’s no treasure!”

The fatty hurriedly nodded. “Right, right! None, absolutely nothing! You’re my brother. When a brother is in trouble, I can’t just stand by and do nothing. It has nothing to do with anything else.”

Everyone cursed inwardly. This fatty is so fucking shameless!

Chief Steward Li locked eyes with Tian Heng. “Let me tell you! He is a Martial Academy student. If you go too far, let’s see how you explain yourself to the three deputy deans.”

Tian Heng’s pupils constricted. Martial Academy...

A moment later, he still shook his head. “No. That item must be left behind today!”

Chief Steward Li glanced at Jiang Feng and took a deep breath. “Your Highness, you leave first. I’ll hold him off. I’d like to experience just how capable a Soaring Realm expert really is!”

Jiang Feng was shocked. “Chief Steward Li, you mustn’t...”

At that moment, Gu Han said from behind, “Chief Steward Li, forget it.”

“Why? He’s clearly bullying—”

Gu Han smiled wryly. “Hehe. Can’t you see? Today, no matter who comes, it’s useless. He is determined to have this mystic stone. You can’t defeat him. If you force yourself to stay, you might even risk your life...”

Tian Heng sneered incessantly. “Hmph. So you have a working brain!”

Chief Steward Li shook his head. “I’m not afraid of death! You saved His Highness. I owe you my life. This item belongs to you. Even if I risk my life, I must—”

Gu Han sighed. “Let it go. No matter how precious an item is, it’s not more important than life. And yes, I do mean your life! Your life is also very important!”

Chief Steward Li’s eyes started to sting. “I...”

Thinking of his previous private criticisms of Gu Han made him feel extremely ashamed. He couldn’t bring himself to meet Gu Han’s eyes.

Gu Han waved his hand and took out that mystic stone. “Here... Take it!”

Tian Heng’s heart leaped with joy. “Good! Steward Ma, get the essence crystals for him. You see, I am not an unreasonable person. Five million, give him five million!”

A moment later, Steward Ma returned and carefully handed a storage ring to Gu Han.

With eyes alight with fervor, Tian Heng quickly put the mystic stone away. “Everyone, you may leave or stay as you please!”

Gu Han took a deep breath, immediately pulled Ah Sha, and walked out of the crowd without looking back. “Let’s go! The Treasure Pavilion bullies its customers with its reputation. I’ve experienced it first-hand today!”

Chief Steward Li gave Tian Heng a deep look. “Pavilion Master Tian, I will remember today’s events.”

Then, he also escorted Jiang Feng and followed Gu Han.

The fatty looked conflicted, seemingly still reluctant to part with the mystic stone. “What... Ah... forget it! This treasure and I aren’t meant to be!”

Watching them leave, the crowd slowly dispersed, the show at its end. Although they didn’t sympathize with Gu Han, the Treasure Pavilion’s way of doing things chilled their hearts. For a second, many swore never to set foot in the Treasure Pavilion again.

At the same time, after obtaining the mystic stone, Tian Heng naturally wanted to find a way to restore the Treasure Pavilion’s reputation.

“Wait. Today’s events have disturbed everyone. It was the Treasure Pavilion’s fault! How about this...” Tian Heng continued, “for the next seven days, all pills, materials, artifacts in the Treasure Pavilion will be sold at half price. Consider it a small compensation from the Treasure Pavilion to everyone.”

Everyone was astonished. Half price? This... this is a crazy good deal that has never happened before!

Their desire to leave was forgotten, as was the Treasure Pavilion’s way of doing things. They rushed towards the various sales points, afraid they would fall behind and miss out.

Steward Ma sighed. “Pavilion Master, brilliant, truly brilliant!”

Tian Heng felt somewhat proud. “Heh. Just give these low-level cultivators a little benefit, and they become like this, all water under the bridge. These people aren’t hard to deal with! Do you see how to handle things in the future?”

“Yes! I understand!”

As he thought about the mystic stone, his heart grew warm. “Alright! From now on, don’t let anyone disturb me. I shall have my personal time with the mystic stone.”

***

On the main street, Gu Han strode at high speed without saying a single word.

Chief Steward Li’s face was full of guilt. ”This matter happened because I’m useless...”

The fatty also sighed long and deep. “Ah... Trading that treasure for a mere five million essence crystals... What a loss, a huge loss. You should have sold it to me! Forget five million, I’d give you fifty million!”

Chief Steward Li stared at him with disdain. Fifty million? If you could produce five hundred essence crystals on you, I’d take your surname.

Upon seeing Gu Han still silent, Jiang Feng grew worried. “Brother Gu, are you alright?”

Gu Han suddenly stopped and looked back. Upon seeing they were already quite far away from the Treasure Pavilion, he suddenly picked up Ah Sha in one move and darted forward. The few of them were dumbfounded.

In the brief moment they were stunned, they could barely see Gu Han’s figure.

Gu Han shouted from a distance, “Run! What are you standing there for!”